Effect of Graphitic Nanosheets on the Physical Properties of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Composite Films

In this study, microstructural and physical properties of cyclic olefin copolymer composite films prepared by melt processing method and using of graphitic nanofillers, namely, graphite, graphite oxide, and reduced graphite oxide were investigated. Structural and physical properties of the chemically modified graphites and composite films were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analyzer, and thermogravimetric analyzer methods. It was found that the composite films including reduced graphite oxide exhibited exfoliated structure whereas graphite- and graphite oxide-based films showed intercalated structure. It was also obtained that all composite films showed superior gas barrier performance compared to the cyclic olefin copolymer.